A Tura Beach home has been devastated by fire and fire crews are expected to continue working at the scene for some hours into the afternoon of Thursday, May 16. The Tura Beach fire is just days after the fire that tore through two Merimbula shops in Market Street last Friday. A triple 000 call was made around 9.35am after a neighbour saw excessive smoke coming from the two-storey house in Surf Circle, Tura Beach. Merimbula's Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew received the call at 9.42am. Five fire trucks attended including the Merimbula RFS truck along with police and paramedics. As the trucks arrived there was smoke billowing out from under the roof cavity. Sargeant Cliff Scarlet of Merimbula Police said that the fire was well alight when they arrived but the home was unoccupied at the time. Breathing apparatus was used by fire crews as multiple pumps were used to try and douse the fire. Fire crews had to smash windows at the front and side of the house to enable the hoses to penetrate into the house. More than an hour later flames could still be seen in the roof area at the back of the home. It is believed the fire may have started in the kitchen because of the intensity of the blaze in that area but investigations are continuing Sargeant Scarlett said. He said the fire wasn't being treated as suspicious. A hazmat crew also attended although Sargeant Scarlett said it was a routine precaution. He warned that Surf Circle was likely to be closed for several hours at least on Thursday.

Fire destroys Tura Beach home| Photos, video

Sargeant Cliff Scarlet of Merimbula Police said that the fire was well alight when they arrived but the home was unoccupied at the time.

Breathing apparatus was used by fire crews as multiple pumps were used to try and douse the fire. Fire crews had to smash windows at the front and side of the house to enable the hoses to penetrate into the house.

More than an hour later flames could still be seen in the roof area at the back of the home.

It is believed the fire may have started in the kitchen because of the intensity of the blaze in that area but investigations are continuing Sargeant Scarlett said. He said the fire wasn't being treated as suspicious.

A hazmat crew also attended although Sargeant Scarlett said it was a routine precaution. He warned that Surf Circle was likely to be closed for several hours at least on Thursday.